Cartridge Lifter/Elevator

[N.E. Plinker]

My first (of many) posts - Go easy on me as I’m a total newbie to Henry’s and lever-actions in general. I’ve spent most of my time up to now using a wide variety of revolvers/semi-autos, so I’m sure this question is going to be incredibly laugh-worthy but here goes:
I have a Henry Golden Boy and just picked up a Big Boy in .44 mag.
When I got home, I went through cycling it and dry firing as I do with all new firearms. One thing I noticed right away is the when the rifle is turned upside-down, the lifter/elevator slides down and is visible through the ejection port. I don’t notice any hang-ups or trouble cycling the gun when it’s in a “normal” horizontal position. And my Golden Boy (.17hmr) doesn’t seem to do the same thing.
So, is this “normal” and I’m just being paranoid or is there some serious component/screw loose/missing? Again, haven’t even put a round through it yet because I wasn’t sure if this was just the way the lifter works in a Henry....
Any non- “Come on, you stupid noob” comments would be appreciated......

[Headhog]

First welcome to the forum.

I'm no expert and I'm sure one will come along soon, but from what I know your experiencing the normal action. I recommend instead of looking for an issue I think your best bet to go out a fire that Big Boy.

Paul

[GunnyGene]

Absolutely normal operation on all the BBS's, although I'm not sure about the X Models with the side gate. Welcome from MS. Enjoy your BB.

PS: While we have your attention, I have a question for you, and a couple tips.

Question: Are you aware of the maintenance video's on the company website? Many new owners aren't. JIC: https://www.henryusa.com/own-a-henry/he ... eo-series/

Tip1: Disassemble the inner mag tube and clean it out well. There's often some leftover gunk from the factory hiding in there.

Tip2: Your BBS mag capacity is listed at 10 in the mag - it will hold 11, plus one in the chamber. If you have the carbine, it will hold 8 in mag + 1 in the chamber. The additional round will show about half way up in the loading port however.

[CT_Shooter]

Welcome to the forum from CT. Congratulations on your new Henry Brass Big Boy. It sounds as if it's functioning properly. I look forward to your future posts. Glad you joined us.

[JEBar]

first, welcome to our forum, delighted to have you join us .... do hope you will choose to be an active member who reads and post often .... feel free to ask questions and rest assured that you will not find any “Come on, you stupid noob” type of responses .... that simply isn't done around here .... be sure to follow the link below to where you can add your Henry rifles to our community's total


http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 93#p149293

[Sir Henry]

Welcome to the forum. I actually have never noticed they were loose.

I ditto the response no one will talk down to you on questions like this. We take pride in being able to help each other no matter what your level is.

[Cofisher]

Hey Plinker. Welcome from Nebraska. I’ve had my carbine for several years and actually was watching the lifter move while cleaning it the other day. Not a problem. However, do not try to load a round while the rifle is tilted. The live round will fall out! Have fun shooting your Henry.

[N.E. Plinker]

Thanks, all, for the quick and valuable feedback.
I appreciate it. I’ll add my two rifles to the count on the other thread as well. Seems like a cool group and I’m glad to find other Henry people out there. When money (and the wife) permit, I’ve got my eyes on a Big Boy in .357 as well. I’ve got a SW 686 and a Ruger GP100 so having a rifle to match would be great....

[JEBar]

our BBS 357 has proven to be an outstanding rifle .... as you note, it makes a great companion for our GP100's

[Cofisher]

Thats a track for a lot of us. My carbine matches up with my SP 101 in 357. A good lightweight pairing for my later years. Not old, just cautious. Lol